White Bean Tahini Puree With Toasted Pitas Recipes

FROM THE PANTRY: TUNA, WHITE BEAN AND OLIVE FLATBREAD PITAS

Steps:

• Pulse the beans, 4 of the sun-dried tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of the oil, 2 tablespoons water, vinegar, granulated garlic and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a food processor until blended and semi-smooth.
• Thinly slice the 2 remaining sun-dried tomatoes. Gently toss them with the tuna, olives, roasted red peppers, the 2 remaining tablespoons oil, red pepper flakes and a few grinds of black pepper in a medium bowl, breaking up the tuna slightly.
• Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat. Brush one side of the pitas with oil, lay the oiled side on the griddle and cook until lightly charred in spots, about 1 minute. Transfer, charred-side up, to serving plates.
• Spread some of the bean mixture on each pita, and top with some of the tuna-olive salad. Drizzle each with oil, and sprinkle with black pepper.

WHITE BEAN PURéE WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATOES

Steps:

• Place beans in medium saucepan. Add enough cold water to cover beans by 3 inches. Let stand overnight.
• Drain beans well. Return to saucepan. Add 4 cups water, onion, and rosemary sprigs. Bring to boil; reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until beans are soft, about 1 hour 45 minutes. Discard rosemary sprigs. Drain beans and onion; cool to room temperature.
• Using on/off turns, puree drained beans and onion, sun-dried tomatoes, shallots, and chopped rosemary in processor until smooth, stopping occasionally to scrape down sides of bowl. Add 3 tablespoons oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper. Puree until blended. With machine running, gradually add 1/2 cup boiling water. Thin with more water by tablespoonfuls if necessary. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
• Transfer white bean puree to wide shallow bowl; drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon oil and sprinkle with parsley. Garnish with lemon wedges. Serve with toasted pita triangles.

LEMONY WHITE BEAN SKORDALIA WITH GRILL-TOASTED PITA

Steps:

• Place beans in heavy medium saucepan. Add enough water to cover by 2 inches. Let stand at room temperature overnight.
• Drain beans. Return to saucepan. Add enough cold water to cover beans by 2 inches. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium. Cover partially and simmer until beans are very tender, stirring occasionally, about 1 hour 10 minutes. Drain beans, reserving 1/4 cup cooking liquid.
• Place beans, 2 tablespoons reserved cooking liquid and garlic in processor. Process until beans are coarsely chopped. Add lemon juice, tahini and oil. Process until smooth, scraping down sides of bowl occasionally and thinning with more cooking liquid by teaspoonfuls if necessary. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to small bowl. Stir in parsley and mint. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill.)
• Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Grill pita wedges until beginning to brown, about 1 minute per side. Transfer pita to basket and serve with skordalia.